Kaizer Chiefs have acquired the services of highly-rated midfielder midfielder Sibongiseni Mthethwa two days before the September transfer window closes.
Stellenbosch announced the departure of Mthethwa to Chiefs on Wednesday night, ending weeks of speculation.
The Soweto giants beat AmaZulu and rivals Orlando Pirates to the signature of the Bafana Bafana international.
“Stellenbosch Football Club can confirm that Sibongiseni Mthethwa will join Kaizer Chiefs Football Club on a permanent transfer after a buy-out clause in his contract was activated,” reads the club statement.
“Ox, as Mthethwa is affectionately known, joined Stellenbosch from Black Leopards in January 2022 and departs after having made 56 appearances for the club across all competitions.
“He quickly established himself as a leader in the dressing room and was appointed as a vice-captain at the start of this season, while he also won six Bafana Bafana caps during his spell with Stellenbosch.”
STELLENBOSCH FC BIDS FAREWELL TO OX
Stellies CEO Rob Benadie described Mthethwa’s departure as a massive loss to the club but wished the midfielder well at Amakhosi.
“When Mthethwa initially joined the club, a buy-out clause was negotiated into his contract and that has now been activated by Kaizer Chiefs,” said Benadie.
OTHR SOCCER NEWS:PSL announces MTN8 semi-final venues and dates
“It’s always sad to part ways with a player and person of Ox’s calibre, but we would like to wish him all of the best in this next step of his career.
“He was a consummate professional throughout his time in Stellenbosch, and it goes without saying that his influence on the pitch and in the dressing room will be missed.
“Apart from his on-field contributions, he also played an active role in our communities and must be commended for the enthusiastic manner in which he embraced the SFC family and supporters.
Mthethwa embodied the values of the club, and we would like to thank him for his immense contributions to our cause over the last two years.”